GOP Senate Candidates Campaign in Coastal Georgia

Three Republican candidates and one write-in vying for Georgia's U.S. Senate seat made a stop in Savannah to appeal to voters ahead of the primary election.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:50am

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Three Republican candidates and one write-in candidate in Georgia's U.S. Senate race made a stop in Coastal Georgia on Wednesday, campaigning to Georgia voters ahead of the primary. The Chatham Area Republican Women hosted a luncheon featuring U.S. Reps. Buddy Carter and Mike Collins, along with Brigadier General Jonathan McColumn and write-in candidate Rev. Dr. Christina Clements.

Why it matters

The Georgia Senate race is a key battleground in the 2026 midterm elections, with the incumbent Democratic senator facing a challenge from several Republican contenders. The candidates' stops in Savannah highlight the importance of the Coastal Georgia region in deciding the primary and general election outcomes.

The details

At the Chatham Area Republican Women's luncheon, the candidates outlined their platforms and experience. Rep. Buddy Carter touted his congressional record and national security concerns, while Rep. Mike Collins focused on infrastructure improvements and support for veterans. Brigadier General Jonathan McColumn emphasized his military leadership experience, and write-in candidate Rev. Dr. Christina Clements discussed economic stability and the 'Black Dollar Initiative'.

  • The Georgia Primary race is set for May 19, 2026.
  • The candidates made their campaign stop in Savannah, Georgia on Wednesday, April 2, 2026.

The players

Buddy Carter

U.S. Representative for Georgia's 1st congressional district and Republican candidate for U.S. Senate.

Mike Collins

U.S. Representative for Georgia's 10th congressional district and Republican candidate for U.S. Senate.

Jonathan McColumn

Brigadier General and Republican candidate for U.S. Senate.

Christina Clements

President of Black USA, President of the State of Loc Nation Global Public Benefit Corporation, and write-in candidate for U.S. Senate.

Jon Ossoff

Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator for Georgia.

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What they’re saying

“I will never embarrass you. I haven't embarrassed you in the 26 years I've been in public service.”

— Buddy Carter, U.S. Representative

“Right now, more than ever, I would submit to you that we need funding for Department of Homeland Security. We're involved in a conflict in Iran right now. Our terror alert is up.”

— Buddy Carter, U.S. Representative

“That port hadn't been dredged fully since 2015. Then I came up here to Savannah, and it wasn't three weeks later that the Army Corps changed their mind. And we got 35 million for Brunswick Port, and we got the money to study the widening of the Savannah port. That's how you deliver for the state of Georgia.”

— Mike Collins, U.S. Representative

“Our veterans out there need help. We've got homeless vets living under bridges. And here we have an administration that will hold and transport, feed and housing these illegals.”

— Mike Collins, U.S. Representative

“We should at least have the basics. This was a summary of what the majority of citizens who felt unrepresented shared with me while listening to their concerns.”

— Christina Clements, President of Black USA and President of the State of Loc Nation Global Public Benefit Corporation

What’s next

The Georgia Primary race is set for May 19, 2026, when voters will decide who will face incumbent Senator Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) in the general election.

The takeaway

The campaign stops by the Republican Senate candidates in Coastal Georgia highlight the importance of the region in the upcoming primary and general elections. The candidates' focus on issues like infrastructure, national security, and support for veterans could sway voters in this key battleground state.